Monday, December 27, 2010

Volunteer opportunity in Montserrat, West Indies



As part of an international collaboration to save the mountain chicken frog from extinction, there is an opportunity for highly motivated volunteers to get involved and support field work on the Caribbean island of Montserrat for this Critically Endangered species.

In Feb 2009 the deadly chytrid fungus was discovered on the island of Montserrat, threatening populations of the already endangered mountain chicken frog. With the fungus already devastating populations in Dominica, the only other island in the world where these frogs are still found, a collaboration was established between Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust, London Zoo, Chester Zoo, Parken Zoo and the Government of Montserrat, called the Mountain Chicken Recovery Programme to take frogs into a bio-secure captive breeding programme. In Montserrat the MCRP has initiated a field conservation project, supported by the UK Government's Darwin Initiative, to study the frog and lead reintroductions. With the breeding programme being so successful, we are now ready to bring frogs back to Montserrat to trial a pioneering introduction of this species to its natural habitat.

In order to achieve this, we require the support of two volunteers to work alongside our Montserratian field team to radio track and monitor the frogs once released. We are looking for two people who are able to commit to four months starting around 15th January 2011.

Volunteer activities will be focused around intensively tracking and searching for released frogs and taking samples and data in the field. Training will be given in radio tracking, handling of amphibians and bio-secure techniques. Volunteers will also be responsible for the inputting of data and writing blog posts for the website.

Ideally, applicants will have a background in biological sciences, experience of working in the tropics and previous radio tracking experience. However, as the work will be at night and sometimes long hours involved, flexibility, commitment and determination to work, under sometimes uncomfortable or frustrating conditions, combined with good physical fitness and careful attention to data recording are the most important attributes we look for.

Volunteers will need to cover their own flights, vaccinations, personal equipment and insurance but the project will cover in-country costs for basic subsistence and accommodation.

This is the ideal opportunity for someone looking for practical conservation experience working with some of the world's most threatened species. However, the nature of this work requires the volunteer to be focussed and self-motivated. Working hours are long and fieldwork will take place 6 nights per week with one day off. However, as fieldwork is at night, volunteers have the days to rest and relax. Also the opportunity to live and work in a tropical country on real conservation projects will be more than compensation for this for the right candidates.

If you wish to apply, please contact recruitment@durrell.org  with a cover letter and CV. For more information about the volunteer post, please contact: sarah-louise.smith@durrell.org  A short interview will be arranged by phone with the project leader based in the region. Deadline for applications: 10th January, 2010.





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Sunday, December 26, 2010

TRAINEE KEEPER - London Zoo


TRAINEE KEEPER

Based at ZSL London Zoo
Regent’s Park


£17,805 p.a. inclusive


You will require some experience of working with animals while you carry out day to day duties under the supervision of senior staff. Some familiarity with accepted husbandry practices and standards and an interest in breeding programmes and conservation is required. You will also be expected to undertake the appropriate studies to progress within the Keeper training programme.

Good communication skills and experience of dealing with the public is essential, together with the ability to work effectively within a team. Hours are 37.5 per week, worked within a roster which includes weekends.

Benefits include a subsidised staff restaurant, non-contributory pension scheme and interest free season ticket loan.

To apply please forward your CV and a covering letter highlighting your suitability to: HR Department, ZSL, Regent’s Park, London NW1 4RY, or email hr@zsl.org  by 20 January 2011.


Read about our work on http://www.zsl.org/


Registered Charity in England and Wales Number: 208728





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Tuesday, December 21, 2010

Wildwood Trainees

Wildwood Trust is now inviting applications for our Heritage Skills at Wildwood Training opportunities, funded through the Heritage Lottery Skills for the Future programme. We have four posts, each for a one-year training period. The deadline for applications is 12th January 2011

  • Trainee Title: Heritage Skills Trainee (Conservation, Education, Ranger or Keeper), 37 hrs a week for a 51 week placement
  • Function: To learn heritage skills at Wildwood Trust
  • Responsible to: Heads of Department
  • Burasary: Training bursary of 10,000 for the year
Environmental Education Trainee.

This post provides an introduction to a career in environmental education within a British wildlife park and conservation charity. The successful candidate will be given training and experience in key skills used in this field.

Conservation Trainee.

This post provides an introduction to a career in wildlife conservation management within a British wildlife park and conservation charity. The successful candidate will be given training and experience in key skills used in this field.

Keeper Trainee.

This post provides an introduction to a career in animal/wildlife care and management within a British wildlife park and conservation charity. The successful candidate will be given training and experience in key skills used in this field.

Ranger Trainee.

This post provides an introduction to a career in environmental habitat management within a British wildlife park and conservation charity. The successful candidate will be given training and experience in key skills used in this field.

The posts are for one year only and are aimed at those interested in following a career in conservation work. The successful candidates will be expected to complete a portfolio of evidence of the skills they have learned. The training will provide the groundwork and experience required for those considering either further academic training (e.g. a conservation degree, or diploma) or developing their career by joining a zoo, wildlife trust or other conservation organisation.


To apply, please download a recruitment pack HERE, and submit your CV and covering letter, to Wildwood Trust, Herne Common, Herne Bay, Kent, CT6 7LQ. Tel: 01227 712111 or e-mail beth@wildwoodtrust.org

Please apply for one post only. The closing date for applications is 13th January 2011. Interviews will be held by arrangement within 2 weeks of that date.




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Monday, December 20, 2010

Ungulate Keeper Vacancy - Highland Wildlife Park, RZSS



Animal Keeper – Highland Wildlife Park, RZSS

The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS), a charity founded in 1909, owns and manages Edinburgh Zoo and the Highland Wildlife Park. The Highland Wildlife Park is a premier visitor attraction based at Kincraig outside Aviemore and specialises in cold weather adapted species from around the world.

A vacancy has arisen for an Animal Keeper to work within the Animal Department team at the Highland Wildlife Park on the section that is responsible for ungulates. It would be desirable if the successful candidate has some experience working with ungulates and will have passed the Advanced National Certificate in the Management of Zoo Animals, or equivalent, or is happy to complete this course within 3 years. For the right candidate, they will have the opportunity to work with a number of species that can be found in no other collection within the British Isles, including markhor, forest reindeer, kiang and, in the near future, musk ox.

The post will involve weekend and very occasional evening work. Salary for this post will be in the region of £13.000 - £16.000 depending on experience and relevant qualifications. This post is subject to an enhanced CRB check and a full driving license is required.


Applications should be received by 17.00 on Friday 14th January 2011. Invitation to interview will be by email/phone after the closing date, with interviews following by arrangement. Start date by mutual arrangement. For further information please email drichardson@rzss.org.uk  or phone 01540 651 973. To apply please send or ideally email an RZSS application form and an equal opportunities form together marked confidential to Douglas Richardson, Animal Collection Manager, Highland Wildlife Park, Kincraig, Kingussie, Inverness-shire PH21 1NL. Application and equal opportunities forms are available from http://www.edinburghzoo.org.uk/working-at-the-zoo/  or from Douglas Richardson at email drichardson@rzss.org.uk  or phone 01540 651 973.

Our mission is to inspire and excite our visitors with the wonder of living animals, and so to promote the conservation of threatened species and habitats. The RZSS strives to be an equal opportunities employer. Registered Charity SC004064

Join us on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/EdinburghZooScotland
Follow us on Twitter http://twitter.com/edinburghzoo
Catch up with the latest news on YouTube http://www.youtube.com/TheEdinburghZoo




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Friday, December 17, 2010

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER - The Hawk Conservancy Trust

 

The Hawk Conservancy Trust is a conservation charity and award-winning visitor centre of international renown that works in the fields of conservation, education, rehabilitation and research of birds of prey. It employs over thirty specialist staff and has an annual turnover in excess of £1.3 million. It has a strong membership and customer base.

The Chief Executive Officer has overall responsibility to the Board of the Trust for the successful management and development of the Trust’s business in accordance with its 5 year Business Strategy; for providing leadership to the whole organization, comprising management, staff, volunteers and membership; and for representing the Trust publicly.

Specific responsibilities include managing the Trust’s annual Business Planning Cycle; overseeing the implementation of a creative Marketing Plan; establishing operational and administrative systems, consistent with the Trust’s professional image; and sustaining the highest standards of teamwork across the Trust as a whole.

The CEO will manage and develop a wide range of direct reports whose responsibilities include:

• Conservation management, rehabilitation, education and managing the Park as a visitor attraction
• Conservation research
• Marketing, fundraising and commercial sponsorship
• Financial planning and management accounting
• Catering facilities and services
• Customer reception and retail sales
• Events co-ordination
• Administrative services and facilities

The successful candidate must have a proven track record of successful business management and development in a rapidly -growing and changing commercial environment; and skills in marketing planning, financial management, and team management and development.

The personal qualities required will include a high standard of personal and professional integrity and a high level of personal resilience.

If you would like further information,, do please contact Michael Bolger, Director Responsible for Humans Resources, Hawk Conservancy Trust Visitor Centre, Sarson Lane, Weyhill, Andover, Hants, SP11 8DY or email
Michael@hawkconservancy.org




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Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Bird Keeper - Regent's Park Zoo


Bird Keeper, based at Regent's Park

£22,475 p.a. inclusive, depending on experience

ZSL London Zoo is part of the Zoological Society of London, a charity dedicated to the worldwide conservation of animals and their habitats.
We are looking to recruit an experienced Bird Keeper to work on our Bird section. Applicants must have proven experience dealing with a variety of birds within a Zoo environment. You should also be familiar with accepted husbandry practices and standards and have an interest in breeding programmes and conservation. The ability to work as part of a team is essential as are excellent communication skills.

A relevant zoo keeping qualification is required. Benefits include a non-contributory pension scheme, interest free season ticket loan and a subsidized staff restaurant.

If you meet our requirements and would like to apply please send your CV and covering letter highlighting your suitability to the Human Resources Dept., ZSL, Regent’s Park, London NW1 4RY or email hr@zsl.org  .

Closing date: 13 January 2010



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Twycross Zoo - Deputy Registrar


Twycross Zoo – East Midland Zoological Society (TZEMZS), the World Primate Centre, has over 1,000 animals and is the most comprehensive collection of primate species and subspecies in the western world.


A new, permanent position has become available for a Deputy Registrar to assist the Zoo’s Registrar in all areas related to animal records and animal transfers and to assist with the administration work within the Life Science Department. The role would suit a Biology or similar graduate or someone with high level secretarial and/or administration skills, likely to have been acquired by experience of working in a similar role. The successful candidate will be well organised, competent with computer data entry and pay close attention to detail. Working with ARKs/ZIMS databases would be an advantage but not necessary. Familiarity with the import/export of animals and associated paperwork would also be an advantage.


The role is full time, 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday. Salary is commensurate with experience.


To apply for this position, please send your letter of application and CV to recruitment@twycrosszoo.org  The Job Profile for this position is also available upon request.

Closing date for applications: Wednesday 22nd December 2010



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Friday, December 10, 2010

Chester Zoo - TEMPORARY EDUCATION OFFICER


TEMPORARY EDUCATION OFFICER
PART –TIME

Chester Zoo, one of Europe’s leading Zoological collections, has an active and award winning Education Division, now seeking an Education Officer on a 7-month contract commencing the beginning of January 2011. Work includes developing and delivering programmes that meet curriculum requirements for school and undergraduate courses as well as informal public education. Our approach to formal education is highly participatory so candidates will be expected to be outgoing and enthusiastic in their teaching style.

The successful applicant will provide a high quality, formal, curriculum-linked programme (and associated material) for school, college and university groups visiting the Zoo and to assist the Interpretation Officer in providing educational signs and displays for Zoo visitors.

The successful applicant will have a degree in Zoo Biology or a conservation-related field. They will have teaching qualification or equivalent experience in teaching across a wide range of different ages and abilities. The successful candidate will be conversant in IT packages including the use of interactive whiteboards, presentation software and audio visuals. They will have the ability to communicate complex concepts, in an innovative and experimental way, to a wide age range and ability range of pupils. The successful candidate will have good organisational skills in terms of time management, administration, workload planning and meeting deadlines.

The successful candidate will ideally have a good working knowledge of the National Curriculum. They will have a good understanding of child protection legislation and policies. The successful candidate will ideally have experience with live animal handling and associated husbandry. They will have a good working knowledge of zoos and their role in conservation

This position is subject to an enhanced CRB check. Please note that as a charitable trust, our salary scale is not based on LEA scales.

This is a part-time role, the successful candidate will work three fixed days a week Monday to Wednesday, hours are from 9am to 5pm and may include occasional evenings, weekends and Bank Holidays. Full time salary is circa £16,000 pro rata (subject to job evaluation).

For further details about this role and how to apply please see http://www.chesterzoo.org/

Closing Date is Friday 17 December 2010



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Thursday, December 2, 2010

Oceanopolis - Scientific and Cultural Director


Monsieur le Directeur General SOPAB
BP 91039
29210 BREST Cedex, FRANCE

or by email - rh@sopab.fr

Further information regarding this position is available on our website at: http://www.sobab.fr/



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Calgary Zoological Society - Curator, Eurasia, South America, Africa

The Calgary Zoological Society located in Calgary, Canada is committed to excellence in animal stewardship and conservation leadership. Our staff and volunteers are what make us a success in these activities and keep us focused on our commitment to engage visitors in enjoyable and unique experiences, connect our community with nature, and inspire actions which support conservation. If you would like to be part of this team, we have the following full time position available:

CURATOR, EURASIA, SOUTH AMERICA, AFRICA

The Calgary Zoological Society is currently seeking an energetic, enthusiastic individual to lead our Eurasia, South America, and Africa areas.

Accountable to the Director, Animal Care , Conservation and Research, this position is responsible for the management of the animal collection, personnel, facilities and programs of the Eurasia, South America and Africa areas. This involves alignment with Calgary Zoo and Conservation and Research goals, strategies and business plans in the provision of a superior customer experience, as well as meeting the financial, conservation, animal care, research, and education goals of the zoo.

Duties include animal collection planning, and animal acquisitions and dispositions; assisting in exhibit design, developing and managing budgets; participating in AZA and other professional organizations; and managing unionized staff members.

Qualifications:
• Masters Degree or similar relevant qualification desirable
• 10 years of animal management experience with a minimum of 5 years of direct animal management in an accredited institution
• 4+ years of experience in direct staff supervision
• Experience in training animal collection for veterinary, husbandry and educational purposes
• Proven ability to research, develop, and present interpretive programs
• Demonstrated experience in sourcing, initiating, and facilitating animal transactions
• Experience managing a unionized workforce would be an asset
• Excellent communication and leadership skills in a team environment

Physical Demands of Positions:
• Daily on–grounds mobility required, some heavy lifting requirements, weekend work

The Calgary Zoological Society offers a competitive compensation package, free on-grounds parking, discounts on food and gift shop purchases, discounts on education programs, a complimentary annual pass for you and your family as well as the opportunity to work in one of the top zoos in North America.


If you possess the required qualifications and experience, we invite you to send your resume, along with a covering letter in confidence by December 22, 2010. Please quote the job position in the subject line.

PLEASE NO PHONE INQUIRIES


Human Resources .
The Calgary Zoological Society
1300 Zoo Road N.E.
Calgary, Alberta
T2E 7V6
Fax: (403) 695-3807
hr@calgaryzoo.ab.ca
http://www.calgaryzoo.com/

All applicants are thanked in advance and advised that only those individuals selected for interviews will be contacted.









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Bird Keeper - Johannesburg Zoo


Bird Keeper - Johannesburg Zoo 

Purpose:
The incumbent will be responsible for the ‘incubation and rearing unit’, a large number of parrot aviaries and co-ordination of the hand rearing side of conservation projects for Ground Hornbills and Wattled Cranes. This is a job for a dynamic, enthusiastic and energetic person.

Responsibilities:
The incumbent will be responsible for all areas and tasks related to ensuring and maintaining the birds in good condition, medically, behaviorally, general wellbeing and will need to ensure an international standard of animal husbandry. Be able to act on any abnormal bird behaviours. Join and be an active member of the Wattled Crane Recovery Program and Ground Hornbill Program. Run the incubation and hand rearing unit according to protocols. The incumbent will guide, lead and carry out incubation and hand rearing, Coordinate, lead and motivate hand rearing teams and must keep up to date electronic records of all hand rearing. Ensure all equipment is well maintained and in working order. Ensure high standards of Aviculture. Assist the Curator with bird acquisitions when needed. Ensure proper record keeping within the Section. Provide behavioral enrichment for the birds in their care. Assist with nutritional evaluations of the diets. Conduct daily animal census. Be able to trap/catch birds for movement when necessary. Participate in educational activities when required. Supervise and train animal attendants and learner keepers and carry out disciplinary procedures when necessary.

Requirements:
National Diploma or Degree in Agricultural Sciences, Nature Conservation, Animal Health or a relevant qualification within the field, Must have a valid driver’s license and have access to own transport; 3+ years ‘experience within a bird department, Proven ability to incubate and hand rear birds successfully, Physical ability to do the work. The incumbent will need to be enthusiastic and a great team worker who is able to achieve goals by specific deadlines. Extra hours will be compulsory in evenings, weekends and public holidays especially during breeding season. Live food breeding, falconry experience and ability to run a mouse breeding unit would be advantageous.

Please note that Johannesburg Zoo Employment Equity Principles will be applied.

Application deadline - 06/12/2010 

Please email your responses to Mr Rhulani Baloyi at: rhulani.baloyi@jhbzoo.org.za  or fax to: 086 588 0994, Tel: 011 646 2000.

If you do not hear from us within 30 days from the closing date, please accept that your application has been unsuccessful. The Johannesburg Zoo reserves the right not to make an appointment.


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Deputy Head Keeper - Manor House Wildlife Park


Deputy Head Keeper - Manor House Wildlife Park


A challenging and exciting opportunity exists at Manor House Wildlife Park. Working within a strong team with a passion for conservation and education, and assisting in the daily running of the park and management of the Keeping Dept, the Deputy Head Keeper reports directly to the Head Keeper/ Curator.

Since purchasing in 2008, the current owners have set about the regeneration of a run-down 70s wildlife park, building a conservation-led zoo, set within 52 acres of organic Pembrokeshire Parkland.

Manor House is inspirational, and the successful applicant will join a highly motivated team, who will be leading the zoo through the next exciting stage of the regeneration project, which includes the further development of the large African mixed enclosure.

If you have at least five years’ experience working with a zoological collection, and have excellent animal husbandry skills (preferably with rhino and giraffe) then this may be the job for you.

The successful candidate will:

-be an excellent record keeper, competent in use of ARKS

-have great communication skills, and be at ease speaking in public

-be an inspirational leader, with good coaching skills

-hold a full, valid driving licence

-hold a Zoo Animal Management Certificate or equivalent

For a truly inspiring opportunity offering a competitive salary, send your CV with covering letter, by 31/12/10, via email or snailmail to:

Ross Brown
Head Keeper/Curator
Manor House Wildlife Park
St Florence, Tenby
Pembrokeshire. SA70 8RJ

rossbrown@manorhousewildlifepark.co.uk




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